Let's Talk: Miscarriages in Romance

Miscarriages in Romance: Heavy Emotions, Content Warnings, and Spoilers

Let's Talk: Old Books, New Covers....Same BS?

Today Jen's got a Let's Talk for you, all about reprints and changing covers and ridiculous pricing. It's a good one, so I hope you enjoy and join the discussion! 😃

Confusing reprints, Switching images, and Dated BS, Oh My!

Who Did It Better . . . In the Library?

We've got a new post today, and hopefully it'll be an on-going series with more topics to come! Jen's talking about 5 romances that had a library sex scene in them, and rating them from honorable mention to platinum medal. Are you ready to get busy in the library? 😉

All right! This is the first in what I hope will be a continuing series where I compare similar scenes or tropes across romance novels. This particular entry was inspired by a tweet from Sasha Devlin. 

plotbunny https://t.co/wQlxSoW6Gx

— Sasha Devlin (@SashaDevlin) October 15, 2017

I’ve always joked that I wanted to keep a Goodreads list of romances where the couples have sex in a library, but obviously first I had to write a post about it. I hereby open the Library Sex Olympics Games, as judged by me. (To be clear, the awards below are strictly for the library sex scenes, not a score for the whole book.) And, of course, thanks to the folks in Sasha’s thread that suggested books that would qualify in this category. I salute you, good citizens of Romancelandia! 

[Let's Talk]: Borrow, Buy, or Bye

Borrow, Buy, or Bye

You know that stupid game you can play with celebrities called Fuck, Marry or Kill? It’s ridiculous and juvenile, but it’s a pretty good metaphor for how I approach the buying of romance books---only those categories are Borrow, Buy, or Bye. Why is this relevant? Because I did some Twitter ranting about an upcoming Berkeley title that’s priced at $12! TBQ suggested my acquisition strategy would be a good blog post and so here we go.

[Let's Talk]: Romance Heat Ratings

Closed Doors and Disappointments

Jen: You all know me since I’ve been publishing reviews here for a few months. However, if you aren’t part of Romancelandia Twitter, you’re really missing out on the real action. The conversations are so rich and interesting, and I’ve met lots of people that have my shared joys and frustrations with romance. Today, we’re going to be talking about whether or not romance should have sexiness ratings---a super interesting conversation that started with a tweet from KT.

[Let's Talk]: Give Us Curvy Heroines + Recs

Curvy. Full figure. Plump. Plus size. Fat. There are many words used to describe characters, heroines in particular, who are not a size 2. What word you use or like is up to you, and changes from reader to reader. As an example, some hate the term fat, which has so many negative connotations thanks to society, while others have proudly claimed the word for themselves.

And much like the words used, the sizes vary, too. Which is great! But remember, you don’t want to give your heroine (or hero) specific sizes and numbers. That is, do NOT say: She was a size 14 OR She weighed 180 pounds. Those are unnecessary and can easily lead to comparisons, intentional or unconscious. “Wait, she’s calling herself fat at 180 pounds? I’d KILL to be that small though!”

For one thing, sizes and weight don’t take into account height and weight, nor an individual’s unique body structure. But beyond all of that, it’s just not necessary to give numbers. Numbers, after all, are a societal concept. Who else tells us that a size 2 is “good” while a size 20 is “bad”? It’s sure as hell not the measuring tapes and size charts!

But that’s getting a bit off subject, isn’t it? Sorry. My point was simply: don’t give us your character’s weight and clothing sizes. You can, however, use your words to describe the body to us. Is it jiggly? Is it round? Is it pear shaped? Apple shaped? Big belly? Wide hips? Both? Neither? That’s all fine to describe, but telling us specific pounds and size is meaningless – while at the same time packing far too much meaning, thanks to society’s messages and views. It’s best to just avoid them (numbers) all together.

The other day, I was reading a book that had been recommended by many for its great fat representation and body positivity (as well as being hot and kinky and just a good book in general). And it was all those things, by the way! But reading it got me to thinking: what other romances are there with fat/plus size heroines? Specifically, body/fat positive portrayals, which are even more rare in romance.

So of course I asked Twitter, and romancelandia came through with some great recs and a lot of great discussions in general!

Let's Talk: Your Reading Schedule and Balance

I had originally planned on posting a review today (Too Hard to Forget) but since I didn’t have it done yet, and didn’t want to rush it last minute and put up a half-assed review – especially for a book I loved -- I decided to push that back to Monday. And since I had nothing else set up for today, it seems like a good time to do a little Let’s Talk post.

[Let's Talk]: 9 Years and Your Suggestions

Today's Let's Talk isn't about the genre or books. Instead, I'm looking for your input on something.



June will mark the blog's 9th anniversary (WTF has it really been that long?!?!). For once, I hope to get things planned ahead of time (ha! okay, okay, I plan to TRY, because let's be honest here: I'm still a procrastinator some days). That's where you all come in!



What do you want to see during the month of June? Are there questions you have for me? Topics you would like me to talk about? Do you want to see some authors on here -- and if so, who (though I can't guarantee they can stop by!). Basically, give me ALL YOUR IDEAS. I want to know what you guys want to see more of, what you find fun or interesting, and how you wish to help celebrate 9 amazing years of romance reviews and chatting. I'm all ears!



And yes, there will be some giveaways, too. So if you have an idea on a (small-ish) prize, feel free to leave a suggestion for that as well.






Enjoy!



Until Next Time,

  *TBQ's Book Palace is a member of both the Amazon and Barnes and Nobles affiliates program. By using the links provided to buy products from either website, I receive a very small percentage of the order. To read my full disclosure on the matter, please see this post!

[Let's Talk]: Romance Survey Results (Part 5)

If you recall, in September I mentioned my senior project and the survey I posted for it. I've since turned in that project, and now that I have a bit more time, I'm going to be discussing the results here on the blog as promised. I'm not sure yet how many parts this discussion will be -- 4 or 5 6, at least? -- but I'll link to all the previous posts each time I post a new one.

These posts will be a combination of the data results from the survey itself, some of the quotes from the survey answers, and my own thoughts and observations. Parts of it will be taken directly from the giant ethnography I turned in, but I'll also be adding more to it in these posts, often in a much more casual way than what's in the paper. :)


I hope that these posts will start some great discussions within our community. But at the very least, I hope you find this series interesting rather than boring.


Catch up:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3
Part 4

Today I'll be discussing the stereotypes and comments that romance readers receive, how we react to them, and why these judgments are so prevalent.

[Let's Talk]: Romance Survey Results (Part 4)

If you recall, in September I mentioned my senior project and the survey I posted for it. I've since turned in that project, and now that I have a bit more time, I'm going to be discussing the results here on the blog as promised. I'm not sure yet how many parts this discussion will be -- 4 or 5 6, at least? -- but I'll link to all the previous posts each time I post a new one.

These posts will be a combination of the data results from the survey itself, some of the quotes from the survey answers, and my own thoughts and observations. Parts of it will be taken directly from the giant ethnography I turned in, but I'll also be adding more to it in these posts, often in a much more casual way than what's in the paper. :)


I hope that these posts will start some great discussions within our community. But at the very least, I hope you find this series interesting rather than boring.


Catch up:
Part 1
Part 2
Part 3

Today I'll be discussing how being part of the romance community, as well as the romance novels themselves, help to (positively) influence and affect readers.

[Let's Talk]: Romance Survey Results (Part 3)

If you recall, in September I mentioned my senior project and the survey I posted for it. I've since turned in that project, and now that I have a bit more time, I'm going to be discussing the results here on the blog as promised. I'm not sure yet how many parts this discussion will be -- 4 or 5, at least? -- but I'll link to all the previous posts each time I post a new one.

These posts will be a combination of the data results from the survey itself, some of the quotes from the survey answers, and my own thoughts and observations. Parts of it will be taken directly from the giant ethnography I turned in, but I'll also be adding more to it in these posts, often in a much more casual way than what's in the paper. :)


I hope that these posts will start some great discussions within our community. But at the very least, I hope you find this series interesting rather than boring.


Catch up:
Part 1
Part 2

Today I'll be discussing the community --- the good and the bad -- and what it means to the members.

[Let's Talk]: Reviewing Moods + What Do You Want?

The holidays are over and 2017 is finally here. I don't know about you all, but I'm exhausted. For a number of reasons.


Anyway, I had planned on having Part 3 of the Romance Survey Results up today but I didn't finish it in time. It should be up Thursday, so check back then!


I was also supposed to have an ARC review up today but . . .  yeah, that didn't work out, either. And it's not because of -- or at least not ENTIRELY because of -- how busy things were for me these last few weeks. It's partly because I'm just not feeling the reviewing mojo for the book.

[Let's Talk]: Romance Survey Results (Part 2)

If you recall, in September I mentioned my senior project and the survey I posted for it. I've since turned in that project, and now that I have a bit more time, I'm going to be discussing the results here on the blog as promised. I'm not sure yet how many parts this discussion will be -- 4 or 5, at least? -- but I'll link to all the previous posts each time I post a new one.

These posts will be a combination of the data results from the survey itself, some of the quotes from the survey answers, and my own thoughts and observations. Parts of it will be taken directly from the giant ethnography I turned in, but I'll also be adding more to it in these posts, often in a much more casual way than what's in the paper. :)


I hope that these posts will start some great discussions within our community. But at the very least, I hope you find this series interesting rather than boring.


Catch up:
Part 1

Today I'll be discussing starting ages for reading romance, how many books are read in a year, and who the survey participants are in the community (reader, author, etc).

[Let's Talk]: Romance Survey Results (Part 1)

If you recall, in September I mentioned my senior project and the survey I posted for it. I've since turned in that project, and now that I have a bit more time, I'm going to be discussing the results here on the blog as promised. I'm not sure yet how many parts this discussion will be -- 4 or 5, at least? -- but I'll link to all the previous posts each time I post a new one.

These posts will be a combination of the data results from the survey itself, some of the quotes from the survey answers, and my own thoughts and observations. Parts of it will be taken directly from the giant ethnography I turned in, but I'll also be adding more to it in these posts, often in a much more casual way than what's in the paper. :)


I hope that these posts will start some great discussions within our community. But at the very least, I hope you find this series interesting rather than boring.



Let's start with the first section of the survey, which asked how a participant identifies themselves in regards to gender, sexual orientation, and race/ethnicity.

Let's Talk: Favorite Holiday Romances

I hope everyone had a lovely Thanksgiving (if you celebrate it, that is). Now that turkey day is past, the holiday season is in full swing. What better time to talk about favorite holiday romances then?

What holiday romances do you revisit or recommend? Any genre, any pairing, any heat level -- give me all the suggestions in the comment section!

Let's Talk: Books That Make You Happy

The blog is a bit quiet again/still (nearly finals + holidays + life stress = UGGGGGH), so how about another little chat?

Tell me what books makes you happy! As in, just thinking of the book, or being able to recommend it to someone, makes you smile or genuinely brings you joy. 

Let's Talk: Blogging and Social Media

Today's topic came about while I was going through the romance survey responses (yes, still -- there's a lot!). And since I didn't have time to finish my current book/review for today, I figured why not bring it up for a little chat with you all?

A few survey participants mentioned that they've noticed some bloggers doing less discussions on the blog and spending more time discussing books on social media instead.

Let's Talk: Reading Time and Habits and Notes, Oh My!

Since I have no reviews ready to go today, I decided to put together a quick discussion post instead.

Let's talk about reading -- as in your reading habits, if you have a "ritual" while reading (for example: favorite place to do so, snacks or drinks to keep you company, etc.), and if you take notes or highlight quotes.

Let's Talk: Bi Romances

As you may know, this week is Bisexual Awareness Week. In honor of that, I thought I'd put together a quick list of romances I've read and loved that feature bi heroes and heroines.


I mentioned many of these on Twitter the other day, but I've found a few more and wanted to put them all together in one spot.


I'm sorry to say my list is pretty short. Part of that is the fact that there are not nearly enough bi characters in romancelandia, or worse sometimes they're written off as one sexuality or the other, depending on the gender of their hero/heroine in the book. The other reason for my short list is my own lack of correct tagging on Goodreads. I started "bi hero" and "bi heroine" shelves, but clearly haven't been adding all the books to the appropriate shelves (something that happens often with me and tagging, tbh) because I know I've read more than 20 or so over the years.


So this list is by no means complete, not even complete based on what I've read (see: failure at tagging). But it's a good start. :)


I'll divide the list below by M/F, M/M, and Triad romances. I've not read any FF, bi or otherwise, so I can't offer you any suggestions there at the moment.


Let us know in the comments if you have other recommendations for romances featuring a bi hero or heroine!

Let's Talk: Guilty Reader

I mentioned this on Twitter recently, so why not turn it into a longer discussion?